Welcome back to Bali

Is Bali open for tourism again? You bet your Bintang it is. In fact, according to Google, Bali is currently the number one online travel search among Australians. One of the reasons it’s so popular is its proximity – you can get a flight from Aussie shores and be there in under 7 hours. With its range of accommodation options, delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches and scenery and welcoming locals, it really is a tropical paradise. Here are our top picks of the best things to do in Bali.

Where to stay in Bali in 2022

Kuta

As the tourist capital of Bali, Kuta’s reputation of a smoggy, concrete sprawl, bustling with as many tourists as locals, isn’t altogether incorrect, but it certainly has an element of charm. You can’t help but be swept up in the tropical excitement and the buzzing nightlife. Home to cheap and cheerful accommodation, this is a great place to embrace upbeat Balinese life before escaping to the islands for a much more zen experience.

Seminyak

Considered a more sophisticated sister to Kuta, Seminyak maintains all the rustic charm of a traditional Balinese village, while also offering an array of high-end boutiques, beach homeware stores and upscale restaurants. Browse designer boutiques on Jalan Raya such as Biasa, which stocks fashion with an authentic island twist.

Seminyak nightlife also has a more stylish vibe, with the iconic Potato Head beach club a long-standing Balinese institution, with its kooky design, luxe beachside lounges and extensive cocktail list making it a popular choice.

Uluwatu

A surfer’s paradise, Uluwatu is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Popular favourites include Balangan Beach (although hard to get to) and Green Bowl Beach, both known for their crystal clear waters.

Bali is known as the ‘Island of the Gods’, and nowhere is this more evident than Uluwatu, with stunning temples everywhere you look. The absolute must-see of these is the Uluwatu Temple Complex. Set on a cliff-edge overlooking the ocean, it’s one of the oldest and most beautiful temple complexes in all of Bali, serving an important spiritual role of keeping the whole country safe from evil - not exactly a simple task!

Uluwatu is also famous for its spectacular sunsets. All beaches on the island offer their own jaw-dropping viewpoint. A particularly good spot is Single Fin, a laid-back beach shack which will keep you well supplied with snacks as you sit back and settle into what will probably be one of your most memorable sunsets.

Lombok

Lombok, contrary to popular opinion, is not part of Bali, but a separate state in Indonesia and just a short ferry ride away. This beautiful oasis won’t fall short of your paradise expectations with white sand and a tumbling green rainforest, surrounded by the smaller but equally lush Gili Islands. Check out the authentic Pasar Mandalika markets in Mantaram, where the tourists are few and the fresh produce plenty. Lombok has a quieter pace, which makes for a peaceful escape from the tourist bustle on Bali.

Ubud

When you’re feeling a little beached out, you can escape to the jungle and world-class retreats of Ubud. This small village provides a welcome escape from the humidity of Bali and is home to serene temples, rice paddies and lush surrounds. It’s also Bali’s spa capital, so if you’re wanting to transform your skin, hair, physique or even your mental outlook there are plenty of places that promise to help you in Ubud.  

Food                                  

With an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and smack-in-the-mouth flavour, the fragrance of Balinese cooking will stay with you long after you leave.

Our top eats? There is no better way to get acquainted with Balinese cuisine than at a traditional market, and Gianyar Night Market in Ubud is one of the best. Feast on everything from babi guling (pig roast) to nasi goreng (fried rice) for less than the price of coffee back home.

When is the best time to visit Bali?

It’s no coincidence that Bali is a tropical tourist hotspot: the weather is reliably sunny and warm all year round. As it sits close to the equator, the monsoon season might not drop in temperature, but will definitely bring the rain – so stick to the dry months of May to October. For those looking to catch a wave, this time is also considered the best for top surfing conditions.

Travel advice

As travel requirements can change at short notice, always check government websites for the latest information before booking and departure.

Visas

You’ll need a Visa to enter Bali. If you’re travelling on an Australian passport (and other selected countries) you can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA).

Vaccinations

To enter Indonesia, including Bali, you MUST show evidence of full COVID-19 vaccination (2 or more doses). Your last vaccination dose must also have been administered at least 14 days before travel. Most airlines will also require you to have a copy of your International Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate to check in to your flight. This certificate is specific to international travel and is different to the one you may be using on your government app. You should also check the requirements for any children under the age of 18 you are travelling with. As the situation is continually changing, it’s recommended you check the latest visa, entry and vaccination requirements before you travel. Visit smartraveller for more.

It is also a good idea to speak with your doctor when planning your trip to find out which other vaccinations you may need. Keep in mind that some vaccinations require more than one dose, so it is best to chat to your doctor well in advance of travel.

Check out our overseas travel checklist for more handy tips before you set off. 

Pack extra peace of mind

We’ve been helping protect Aussie travellers for over 10 years and our COVID-19 travel benefits can help you relax and enjoy your holidays even more.